Maelezo

HORIZON-JU-GH-EDCTP3-2026-01-LRTI-02-two-stage

Expected impact

The actions funded under this topic should contribute to achieve the reduction of disease burden in SSA through increased international cooperation among researchers and funders, catalyse research synergies, and leverage resources and investment.

Proposals are expected to include the effective in-kind and/or financial contribution of contributing partners, in order to produce more meaningful and significant effects enhancing the impact of the related research activities.

Background

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly among children under five years, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. LRTIs is among the top four causes of mortality despite the existence of vaccines against many of their aetiologies suggesting that deaths are largely preventable.

From a prevention perspective, numerous areas require improvement. Awareness about preventive measures such as improved sanitation, better air quality, and reducing indoor air pollution are essential, especially in children. Other vital components for combating the spread of LRTIs are public health education campaigns focusing on hygiene practices, breastfeeding as well as vaccination and the importance of early medical intervention.

Vaccines against pneumococcal disease, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have proven effective in reducing LRTI-related hospitalizations and deaths in other regions in the world. However, access to vaccines and coverage of these vaccines in SSA is insufficient due to financial and logistical barriers. A single-dose monoclonal antibody (mAb) that provides season-long protection against RSV was approved in EU in 2022. However, several barriers preclude the successful delivery of the mAb in LMICs, including low awareness and accessibility of the mAbs, including the costs of mAbs. The assessment of barriers—financial, logistical, and other—remains a fundamental challenge in achieving optimal vaccine coverage in SSA.

Treatments such as antivirals and low-cost monoclonal antibodies can prevent death once an individual is infected, yet accessibility is to be improved for those in need. To better target the treatment avoiding overuse of antibiotics, it is also important to have rapid diagnostics available, accessible and affordable.

Addressing LRTIs in the region requires targeted multifaceted strategies that consider local challenges such as limited healthcare access, high disease burden other infectious diseases like HIV and malaria, and antimicrobial resistance. Improving access to quality healthcare is critical. Many rural areas in SSA face shortages in healthcare workers and medical supplies, making timely diagnosis and treatment of LRTIs challenging. Strengthening healthcare systems, increasing the availability of essential medications (such as antibiotics for bacterial infections and oxygen therapy for severe cases), and ensuring consistent access to the appropriate vaccines.

Country-level strategies and work plans, coordination of the interventions, critical partners engagement, and promotion of the innovations to overcome the barriers to service delivery are recommended by the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD) to governments and partners in order to reduce the mortality from LRTIs (especially in children) and its incidence, following the Protect-Prevent-Treat strategy.